Earth's Land Surface

'An excellent source of information for anyone who needs a well-informed, easy to use reference volume to introduce them to the fascinating complexities of the earth's land surface, past, present and future' - Professor Angela Gurnell, Department of Geography, Queen Mary, University of London. 'A concise but comprehensive guide to geomorphology which is characterised by a very clear text, superbly useful tables, and some mini-biographies of some of the leading figures in the discipline. It is particularly strong on the different types of geomorphological environments, including those of cities' - Professor Andrew Goudie, University of Oxford. This introductory text details the land surface of the earth in a readable style covering the major issues, key themes and sensitivities of the environments/landscape. Emphasising the major ideas and their development, each chapter includes case studies and details of influential scientists (not necessarily geomorphologists) who have contributed to the progress of understanding. Providing a very clear explanation of the understanding achieved and of the debates that have arisen, the book is comprised of 12 chapters in four sections: Visualising the land surface explains and explores the composition of the land surface and outlines how it has been studied; Dynamics of the land surface considers the dynamics affecting the earth's land surface including its influences, processes and the changes that have occurred; Environments of the land surface looks to understand the land surface in major world regions highlighting differences between the areas; and, Management of the land surface is an examination of the current and future prospects of the management of the earth's land surface. With comprehensive pedagogical features including full colour plates, further reading, questions for discussion and glossary, this original, lively text is authored by one of the leading experts in the field and will be core reading for first and second year undergraduates on all physical geography courses.